Guyana still awaiting response from Suriname in Piracy attacks

DPI, GUYANA, Friday, June 8, 2018

Minister of Public Security Khemraj Ramjattan said Guyana is still awaiting a response from the Surinamese authorities in relation to the request made for statements from witnesses in the latest piracy attack.

Speaking to media on Thursday, Minister Ramjattan said the request was made to Suriname, but officials here are waiting on the police there to honour that request.

“The requests have been made, but I have not gotten back with them, but my treaty officer in the ministry told me there has not been any response just yet,” the Minister explained.

According to the Minister, the Surinamese authorities have their work to do and so does Guyana, “They have to make sure that it is accurately taken. I am certain that we will get that back very shortly. [I] will give a call to the minister to find out what’s happening”, he added.

Late last month, Minister Ramjattan had said Guyana could soon make an official request to the Surinamese government, to have an estimated seven persons who may have information on the recent piracy attacks on Guyanese fishermen, provide same to the local police.

According to the Security Minister, more information was needed before the investigation could be fully completed. There are some seven witnesses in Suriname, but according to him, that number can increase during the course of the investigation.

On April 27, a piracy attack which took place off the Atlantic Coast of Suriname, left sixteen (16) fishermen missing and feared dead. The bodies of three of the missing fishermen were later salvaged while two others washed ashore. According to survivors, they were assaulted with machetes and forced to jump into the sea by the assailants who are suspected to be of Guyanese heritage.

By: Alexis Rodney.

Image: Jules Gibson.